Application Process to Provide Respite in a Child’s Home or Community

Please complete your application to become an in-home respite provider with Child and Family Focus, Inc. (CFF)

Application – entire application must be completed and mailed to the address listed.

Once completed and received, the following steps take place:

1. We will review your application and contact your references.
    
2. If the above goes satisfactorily, we will be in touch with you to schedule an initial meeting. During this meeting, a CFF representative will interview you in person, discuss the goals of the respite care program, and review the qualification requirements.
    
3. We will work with you to discuss and collect the following paperwork to expedite the application process:
   • Car insurance policy - A copy of your current policy card is required.
   • Child Abuse and Criminal Background Clearances - You will need to complete Act 33 Clearance forms, and return them to CFF for processing.
   • CPR / 1st Aid - CFF will need a copy of your current CPR & 1st Aid certification cards. If you are not currently certified, a CFF Respite Coordinator can assist you in obtaining this training.
   • Driver’s license - A copy of your current driver’s license is required.
   • FBI Clearance – As of July 1, 2008, this is required by the state for ALL individuals 18 or older who are applying to be Respite Providers. CFF will register you online, and you will then be required to obtain fingerprints at a local designated site. Please complete and return form to CFF with application.
   • Liability Insurance - Should you become an approved Independent Contractor with CFF, we recommend that you purchase Professional Liability Insurance. Should you be unable to obtain such coverage, you will not be disqualified from providing the Respite Care services.
   • Parent Recommendation - In a situation where a parent has selected you to be a provider, a letter of recommendation from the child or youth’s parent/guardian must be provided to CFF, stating the reasons why you are qualified to provide respite care to his/her child, and how long you have know him/her.
   • Physical examination - A copy of CFF’s physical form will be provided to you; if you use your physician’s form or doctor’s note, it must include a statement that you are free from communicable disease.
   • Training - CFF requires that you be willing to participate in ongoing training. We will discuss relevant training you have already had, and will offer training opportunities through our agency and the community.
   
     TIP FOR A SPEEDY APPLICATION PROCESS: Please know that the above paperwork is required for ensuring the safety and welfare of children receiving respite care, and does take time to complete. With this in mind, feel free to turn in the above paperwork with your application, or at the time of the initial meeting, in order to expedite the application process.
    
4. After the above is complete, we may schedule a follow-up meeting with you to address any concerns and answer any further questions you may have.
    
5. Our team will conduct a review of the above information and determine approval. If all the qualifications are met, we will send you a finalized contract.